The Mergui Archipelago with its 800 islands is one of those areas that remain almost totally unvisited by foreigners. Though now some live-a-board dive boats and yachts venture with special permission into the southern islands from their bases in Thailand, the bulk of the archipelago has remained unvisited since colonial times. During that period when the archipelago was first charted most of the islands were named after colonial civil servants, a number retain these quaint names to this day.
The local population IS Mokkein, often called sea gypsies and sometimes called pirates. During the Burmese socialist period the Mokkein controlled the smuggling routes and would prey on shipping. Nowadays they have reverted to fishing and fish curing. They are a people with their own language and culture who entirely live on the sea and have evolved a remarkable way of life. We will visit Mokkein islands such as Lampi in the Sullivan Islands.
The ship carries kayaks and snorkelling equipment for free use.
Please Note: The voyage plan shown here is very much a rough sketch and subject to daily changes depending on weather, pilot's instructions and local permissions. We can assure that it will be varied and interesting. The ship carries two Zodiac tenders so we can make various unscheduled expeditions to the islands, beaches and into the coastal ports.
Please note: There is no credit card machine available on the Andaman Explorer due to connectivity issues. Please bring USD cash to settle your on board bill at the end of the cruise.
Please note: This expedition requires a sufficient level of fitness and agility to climb in and out of tenders from the ship and at shore. Launching and boarding inflatable and rigid tenders can be challenging. Please be aware that the Andaman Explorer has a steep gangway and a good level of fitness is essential to ensure guest safety. There may be rough water which can challenge those with limited mobility. Launching and excursions are dependent on safe weather conditions as deemed by the Master of the Andaman Explorer and sea conditions.
